Crimestoppers have launched a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking in the UK. The ‘Read the Signs’ human trafficking campaign, which will be running throughout the UK, is being supported by the Department of Justice and the PSNI. It highlights that people are trafficked into Northern Ireland for forced labour and encourages the public to report their suspicions.
Watch the interactive video below:
Justice Minister David Ford had this to say on the campaign:
“What this campaign aims to do is to highlight that people are also trafficked into Northern Ireland for forced labour and domestic servitude. Indeed in 2011/12 nine of the 33 potential victims of human trafficking recovered in Northern Ireland had been trafficked for the purpose of forced labour.
“This campaign is part of my Department’s continued work in raising awareness of this awful crime. We want the public to know what to look out for and report what they know or suspect. Victims can then be recovered from the horrendous situation they find themselves in.”
If you see anything suspicious or are concerned that you may have encountered someone who may have been trafficked, call Crimestoppers on anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. They don’t want to know who you are, only what you know.
If you have been affected by human trafficking or require support and advice, the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline is open to all victims of trafficking 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0800 917 14 14, text SUPPORT to 07797 805 839, or email 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org